It depends on how big you want to cut. For just rounding out blanks, then any of the 1 hp by 14 throat by 12 inch high (which includes a riser block) will do. They are designed to cut 6 inches high, but can work with the riser block, but are not built for production cutting at that height. The bigger, built for 12 inch cutting saws ), Jet, I think Rikon and a few others are better than the riser blocks, and have more horse power. If you want to cut bowl blanks, then bigger is better. The 24 inch Laguna is one such saw, but with almost 10 hp, and 3 phase, and almost $10,000, it is a bit much for me. I do have a 16HD Laguna, and I use it for prepping bowl blanks. It cuts an honest 16 high, and bowls bigger than that are a specialty market. I thought I could do a good job on bowl blanks with my chainsaw, but this saw paid for itself a couple of times within the first year I had it. I start with half log sections. The saw cuts faster, and more accuratly than the chainsaw. I am guessing it cut my prep time almost in half, and my turning time by 1/4. I also end up with a much rounder and more balanced bowl blank, so my turning time savings are big as well. I do prefer the ceramic blade guides to the roller guides. Much cleaner. The only thing I don't like about the saw is that there is no real way to fine tune the riser post (the one that raises and lowers the blade guides). Mine was bent on arrival. I have a smaller industrial PM, and the post is square with gibs (jibs?) that allow you to fine tune it. I don't know about the Mini Max in this matter. A sled of some sort would be really helpful. From all I have read, the saws are comparable. Aggazini is another bandsaw I have heard of that those who own one start drooling when they talk about it.
robo hippy
